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The Society assists its members to develop their skills in the fields of education and public outreach at all levels. The Society promotes broad interest in astronomy, which enhances science literacy and leads many to careers in science and engineering.

At the January 2017 AAS meeting in Texas, the AAS Council (now the AAS Board of Trustees) approved the creation of a Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion in Graduate Astronomy Education, which has now published its final report.

Founding editor Andrew Fraknoi presents an index to the full contents of Astronomy Education Review, organized by topics that both astronomy education researchers and practitioners would be likely to look under.

The inaugural class of AAS Astronomy Ambassadors received their training at a two-day workshop at the 221st meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Long Beach, California, 5-6 January 2013. The workshop was developed in partnership with the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and the Pacific Science Center.

The American Astronomical Society (AAS), in partnership with the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP), members of the Center for Astronomy Education (CAE), and other organizations active in science education and public outreach (EPO), is creating a new program for young astronomers just starting their careers. The project involves a series of professional-development workshops and a community of practice designed to help improve participants’ communication skills and effectiveness in doing outreach to students and the public. Called Astronomy Ambassadors, this new program will provide mentoring and training experiences for new members of our profession, from advanced undergraduates to postdocs and new faculty, providing access to resources and a network of contacts within the astronomy EPO community.

The eclipse of 21 August 2017 will be a rare event, as the shadow band will traverse the United States in 90 minutes, providing excellent opportunities across the Nation to undertake observations and substantial public outreach activities.